indefensible

[in-di-fen-suh-buhl]

adjective

1. not justifiable; inexcusable.

   indefensible behavior.

2. incapable of being protected or defended against attack.

   an indefensible town.

   Synonyms: unprotected, defenseless, vulnerable

3. incapable of being defended against criticism or denial; untenable.

   indefensible argument.

indefensible

/ ˌɪndɪˈfɛnsəbəl /

adjective

1. not justifiable or excusable

2. capable of being disagreed with; untenable

3. incapable of defence against attack

Other Word Forms

• indefensibility noun
• indefensibleness noun
• indefensibly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of indefensible¹

First recorded in 1520–30; in- ³ + defensible

Example Sentences

Linda makes dozens of bad decisions in “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” many of them seemingly indefensible until you realize that just how utterly isolated she feels.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

One of its experts Graeme Stuart said: "To deliberately put children and schools in the firing line, is indefensible. Frankly, it is appalling."

Read more on BBC

This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Israeli strikes on a hospital that killed at least 20 people, including five journalists, "completely indefensible".

Read more on BBC

Philp added: "Hiring gym managers and ballooncraft tutors for people who must be deported is indefensible and must be stopped immediately."

Read more on BBC

"In energy-rich Scotland, that is indefensible. The only way to lower energy bills for good is with independence."

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• unforgivable 
• unjustifiable 
• untenable